Research Chair Is Named: The John and Elaine Mitchell Chair in Hemostasis
Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) is proud to announce that on June 18, 2021, the Board of Directors will officially name a Research Chair Endowment at The Emory School of Medicine, The John and Elaine Mitchell Chair in Hemostasis, to honor John and Elaine’s 44 years of service and dedication to Hemophilia of Georgia and the bleeding disorder community.
HoG’s former Chief Governing Officer, Andy Wurtzel, explained, “In 2017, Hemophilia of Georgia made a gift totaling 10 million dollars to Emory University on behalf and for the benefit of Emory School of Medicine and Emory Healthcare. This gift was significant and has been impactful, particularly since one of the key components of the gift is that a portion of the funding establish fellowships and research endowments.”
Hemophilia of Georgia’s CEO, Edith Rosato, stated, “We are very excited to name this Research Chair in honor of John and Elaine Mitchell. The legacy they have created in helping those with inherited bleeding disorders is nothing short of astounding. They have dedicated so much of their lives to ensuring high-quality, comprehensive care and finding a cure for hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.”
John and Elaine, along with several other families, established Hemophilia of Georgia very early on as a chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF). At the time, HoG existed through a state request, but the Mitchells helped put Hemophilia of Georgia on the national map and have worked continuously to make it the internationally recognized nonprofit and the premier provider of programs and services for people with bleeding disorders that it is today. John and Elaine have always sought to improve the quality of healthcare, education, advocacy, and the support of research to honor the memory of their son, Chad, who had severe hemophilia A and passed away from complications of the disorder.
Elaine Mitchell said, “Hemophilia of Georgia has had an incredible impact on my family. Any time I needed help, there was always someone there at HoG ready to help. All I had to do is pick up a phone and call. It means so much to have that kind of support. Throughout our lives, we have always felt that it is very important to give back…and so, we like to give our time and energies to Hemophilia of Georgia. We want to help others and we know from personal experience how important it is to find a cure.”
Edith Rosato replied, “This is why research is so important. At HoG, we are dedicated to finding a cure for hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders…and the Research Chair position is created to attract and retain the best and most accomplished research talent from around the world in order to advance the frontiers of knowledge in their fields through research and teaching. The world-renowned research conducted at Emory School of Medicine is at the forefront and will impact the bleeding disorders community for generations to come.”
The students at Emory School of Medicine, located near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, often referred to as the Public Health Capital of the World, will benefit as well through enhancement of their high-quality and personalized education and increased exposure to research experts as part of their learning process.
In addition to his unwavering support of medical education and research, John Mitchell is also credited with coining the phrase “it takes more than medicine,” which has been a guiding principle at Hemophilia of Georgia and became the organization’s tagline. From their very first meeting at Scottish Rite Hospital, the Mitchell family, along with the Acree and Youtsey families, helped to establish Hemophilia of Georgia as a chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF). John and Elaine have a long list of impressive accomplishments that would make anyone stand up and take notice. However, finding a cure is what it most important to John and Elaine. They have worked tirelessly to raise money to find a cure.
John stated, “My philosophy for success in the area has always been centered around finding a cure through fostering research at Emory University School Of Medicine and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Research is the key to our success…and this is why we make sure the money we generate through Hemophilia of Georgia goes to funding the critical research that is needed to find a cure.”
In addition to their many accomplishments and help shaping HoG into the internationally recognized organization it is today, in 2014, John and Elaine received a Lifetime Achievement Award. CEO Edith Rosato said, “We are very thankful to John and Elaine for their hard work, dedication and stewardship, which has enabled HoG to grow into a leader in providing services for people with bleeding disorders. They began their work as volunteers in 1977 and have done it all from raising funds for research, to expanding comprehensive care and educational programs, helping to bring high quality hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) to Georgia and helping to enable HoG in providing services worldwide through the World Hemophilia Federation (WHF) Twinning Program. We cannot thank them enough!”
When asked about the Research Chair being named in their honor, John Mitchell, also an emeritus HoG Board Member said, “Receiving this honor is very humbling. However, my main concern and focus moving forward is that we must not rest. We need to keep going full force. Trish Dominic, a former CEO, was instrumental in establishing a vision for HoG and our current CEO, Edith Rosato, is wonderful and is working hard to carry out that vision, while continually seeking new ways to expand and enhance it. As a leader, Edith is a natural fit for the organization. She has a strong background and experience in pharmacy and has brought a whole new energy and direction to HoG since her hiring in March 2019. We also have an excellent Board of Directors, which includes members outside the bleeding disorder community, to provide a broader perspective. The Board has an excellent relationship with the leadership team as well as the nurses and doctors who serve the community. This is what will help elevate Hemophilia of Georgia and keep it strong in serving the bleeding disorder community as we move into the future.”